Positive
Behavior Support (PBS) and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Positive Behavior Support (PBS) and
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) share a foundation in the science of behavior. Beginning
in the 1950s, ABA
had a major influence on the types and quality of services provided to people
with developmental disabilities and challenging behavior. Based on principles
established through basic laboratory research, behavior analysts demonstrated
that positive, appropriate behavioral repertoires of people with developmental
disabilities could be shaped, strengthened, and maintained by rearranging
environmental contingencies.
PBS
has its roots in ABA.
ABA
contributed a conceptual framework relative to behavior change and a number of assessment
and intervention strategies that are cornerstones of PBS. However, central to PBS are additional
features, such as:
- Placing a high value on embracing person-centered
planning approaches when addressing problem behaviors
- Examining a broad range of variables affecting
behavior
- Making changes in natural life environments and
multiple settings to influence behavior
- Adopting non-aversive intervention techniques to help an individual change
his/her behavior
- Focusing on producing positive changes in quality of
life for the
individual with problem behavior and his/her family
An individual's problematic
behavior in a natural environment is examined through a comprehensive
assessment process, which can provide insight into why challenging behaviors
occur; i.e., the function of the problem behavior. Assessment results are used to help design
positive, proactive, and effective individualized interventions using
evidence-based PBS strategies.